The AbleGamers Charity has opened the very first-of-its-kind "AbleGamers Lab" for gamers with special needs. Located at its headquarters just outside of Washington DC, the AbleGamers laboratory features all of the latest top-end gaming devices and assistive technology set up to enable those with disabilities to play video games. Use of the lab is free but by appointment only, with the average appointment lasting 1 - 2 hours depending on the case. The goal of the lab is to give gamers with disabilities the option to try out different types of technology while gaming so they can create a setup at home that works specifically for them.

"This day has been nearly a decade in the making," said Mark Barlet, Founder and Director of the AbleGamers Charity. "And up until this point, the AbleGamers lab has only been a dream. But I’m proud to announce that this dream has become a reality. We already have our first appointment scheduled and will continue consulting with special needs gamers as quickly as we can. It is, has been, and will always be our primary goal to empower and enable any gamer with disabilities to play video games."

Steve Spohn, Chief Operations Officer and Outreach Chair for AbleGamers adds that the lab and the continued success of the charity in general is due to strong community and industry support.

"We have had a tremendous outpouring of generosity from the videogame industry and community over the last year," he said. "These amazing donors have enabled us to begin consulting with gamers one-on-one to figure out the exact equipment each individual needs to get back into the game."

For more information, gamers with disabilities and/or caretakers can email lab@ablegamers.com to schedule an appointment with one of their assistive technology specialists.